Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

Homemade taco seasoning is not only convenient but it also tastes better than prepackaged store-bought mixes. It includes cumin and chili powder along with other simple pantry spices to give it lots of flavor! This mild taco seasoning goes great with not only Mexican dishes but also vegetables when you’re looking to mix things up a bit.

Another huge benefit of making your own taco seasoning is that you know exactly what you are putting into it. Oftentimes store bought seasoning mixes include extra additives and preservatives. I love using this homemade taco seasoning in my Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats, Black Bean Quesadillas, Instant Pot Chicken Tacos and Southwest Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies!

TACO SEASONING INGREDIENTS

Chili Powder

Ground Cumin

Smoked Paprika - you can use regular paprika instead if you don't have smoked paprika

Fine Sea Salt

Ground Black Pepper

Onion Powder

Garlic Powder

Dried Oregano

HOW TO MAKE TACO SEASONING

To make homemade taco seasoning just follow these simple steps.

Step One: Measure out all of your spices in a small bowl or mason jar. Mix to combine.

Step Two: Store in an airtight container and enjoy for up to 6-8 months.

VARIATIONS AND TIPS

Adobo Seasoning - one of my favorite variations to this taco seasoning recipe is to take out the onion & garlic powder and add a couple teaspoons of Adobo seasoning. Adobo seasoning already has dried onion and garlic powder in it along with a few more spices. It really gives the taco seasoning a great flavor.

Cayenne Pepper or Crushed Red Pepper - want a little more heat? Add a little bit of cayenne or crushed red pepper. I left those out of this recipe because it adds quite a bit of heat, but if you don’t mind spicy food then go for it! You only need 1/4 teaspoon of either one.

Paprika - don't have smoked paprika? You can use regular paprika instead.

HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING

You can store any leftover taco seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry area and it should last 6-8 months. I like using these small mason jars to store leftover seasoning mixes in.

HOW MUCH TACO SEASONING TO USE FOR ONE POUND OF MEAT

For one pound of meat you will need approximately 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. This recipe batch makes ⅓ cup. So enough for two recipes.  Of course you can certainly use a little more or less depending on your spice preference. You can use this recipe for chicken taco seasoning, beef taco seasoning or even vegetarian taco seasoning.

RECIPES WITH HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING

• Black Bean Quesadillas
• Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
• Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
• Instant Pot Southwest Lentils and Brown Rice Bowl

Print